Consultation on old Victoria Infirmary site is welcomed

John A. MacInnes

The developers of the old Victoria Infirmary site on the southside have announced a series of consultation dates.

Local council candidate Steven Livingston welcomed the announcement of consultation events by The Sanctuary Group in regard to the development, however, highlighted some concerns of local residents.

Mr Livingston, Labour candidate for the Langside ward, in which the development is located said: “I welcome the announcement from The Sanctuary Group with several dates across February and March for consultation events regarding the Victoria Infirmary development and would urge all local residents to attend these and voice their concerns.

“I’ve spoken to many residents who, while not opposed to the re-development do harbour a number of concerns regarding the plans for the site.

“Langsiders are very proud of their local heritage and are concerned about the absence of any consultation regarding the demolition of the popular ‘Manager’s House’ in late 2016.

“Other residents have spoken about their concerns regarding parking and schools and how they will cope with an increase in population in Langside which is already the second most densely populated council ward in Scotland.

“I hope the developer will listen to local people and engage with them throughout the entire process.”

Local resident Ashley McBride raised concerns about the potential impact on local school capacity said: “As a parent I’m concerned about how our local schools will handle an increase in population in the area - especially as some of them are already fit-to-burst. I hope all stakeholders take this into consideration during the consultation.”

Another resident who wanted to remain anonymous told The Extra: “It’s a nightmare trying to park around here as it is. I sincerely hope the developers have plans for property owners to use private parking spaces.”

The site was acquired by the not-for-profit housing and care provider in August 2016 and included a commitment to consult well beyond the statutory minimum.

The consultation events will take place at Langside Library on Thursday 9 and Saturday, February11; Thursday 9 and Saturday, March 11; and Thursday 23 and Saturday, March 25. Thursday events will be on between 2 and 7pm and Saturday events will be on between 10am and 3pm.